5 Perfect Things You’ll Love To Do at Savannah Rapids Park Near Augusta

Last Updated: 06/20/2017

If you’re visiting Augusta, you can’t miss a stop at Savannah Rapids Park. It’s breathtaking, with so much to do!!

Here are FIVE reasons to visit.

KAYAK THE CANAL – Kayaking is a fun way to explore the Augusta Canal. You can rent kayaks (single or double) right on the canal at the park. They get very busy on the weekends, so reservations are recommended but walk ups are welcome. The staff will provide a life jacket and kayak, and then send you off. A few hours later, when you arrive at Lake Olmstead, they will pick you up, gather your equipment and shuttle you back to your car.

RENT BIKES – The Bicycle Peddler is relatively new to the park, and offers bike rental, repair and sales. Kids not ride yet? No problemo. They have trailers also!! The canal trail is wide and works for hikers or bikers.

HIKE THE HERITAGE AREA – Take a stroll between the Savannah River and the Augusta Canal, on the Augusta Canal Trail. It’s 7.5 miles (15 miles round trip – though you can turn around any time,) with a gorgeous natural and historic setting. If you walk the entire length of the trail you will end on the outskirts of Downtown, so you can stop for a breather – or a beer – before heading back.

PICNIC BY THE WATERFALL – From the parking lot, or just over the pedestrian bridge from the hiking trail, you’ll see Reed Creek Falls. Sit along the banks, listening to the water rushing past. Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenery – let the kids play on the nearby playground – and let the time pass with ease.

EXPLORE THE HEADGATES – In 1845 the first water flowed through the Augusta canal headgates into the first level of the canal. The second and thrid levels were completed in 1848. In 1875 the enlargement was complete leaving the canal in the state it is today. At the headgates you can see the historic building and the gorgeous rapids of the Savannah River. There are even love locks on the gates, reminding me of Paris!

Lesli made her way to Atlanta over 20 years ago, after living in Germany, Japan and six U.S. states. She relishes the discovery of obscure, offbeat and unwonted places, and she will chat up any willing stranger to uncover a new secret locale.

After 18 years in software development, Lesli bailed on the corporate scene. When she’s not traveling, she’s hiking in the mountains or checking out Atlanta’s culinary scene, whiskey in hand.

Lesli has two kiddos -Cooper and Elliot- plus two bonus kids currently at UGA, and she’s happily married to her soul mate.